Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

R I P Deputy Betterton, you are a true hero.

Trooper
MA STATE POLICE

January 30, 2006

It has been a while now, since I drove past your police cruiser parked on Rt. 58, just West of Danville. It wasn't until later that day that I had heard what happened. Your name is forever etched in the back of my mind, every day I go to work.

Officer Christopher Froeschl
Ferrum College Police Department

January 8, 2006

God bless and rest in peace and my you watch over your family as you sit next to God. We will keep the thin blue line firm and strong in your name.

Sgt PJ Dyring
Corning PD, Corning, NY

January 1, 2006

2005 is about to come to a close and the holidays are here.. My heart is hurting because I am not thinking about presents and family but my friend and how I am feeling not having him here with me for for Christmas Seaseon. I know if he were here he would most likely be working protecting the Citizens of Pittsylvania County... having Christmas with Mary, Frankie & Lauren before leaving for work, and even taking a break during the day to stop by to see others he loved to be sure they were safe and make sure Santa was good to them... I really miss you Frankie.

A Friend

November 19, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, her.

May 17, 2005

All of our shifts today are dedicated to the memory of Deputy Fankie Lynn Betterton. Two years ago this day he gave his life in the never ending pursuit of justice. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers. Deputy Betterton is a hero and he will never be forgotten by us.

OMY/COP/WPD
5/17/04

Chief of Police / Olen M. Young
Wauneta PD Nebraska

May 17, 2004

It has been over a year since I lost my husband,the father of my children and my best friend. Never an hour passes that I do not think of him and wish that he were here.
Our family is deeply grateful for those who took the time to remember him in so many thoughtful ways on this memorial page. This is the first time I have been able to read your reflections and thru my tears there is some solice in knowing that others mourn him as I do. Frankie and I were married for 20 years and he always wanted to be in police work. He gave up his dream to support me through veterinary school and building my practice.Only when we could financially afford to take the tremendous pay cut for him to join the Sheriff's Dept. did he finally realize his dream. He truly was "called" to serve his community as a law enforcement officer. There are so many days now that I regret ever agreeing to his change in careers, but I am comforted in knowing that he was truly happy and his life complete as he proudly wore that uniform. My prayer is that our community and all communities throughout this country will somehow appreciate his sacrifice and the sacrifices of so many others who have served so unselfishly. Please keep Lauren,Frankie II , and I in your prayers. Each day is still a struggle and it is only with your continued support and God's amazing grace that we are able to carry on.

"The Ones Left Standing" Wayne Watson
'Cause the ones left standing have to cry all the tears and replay all the memories,the good and bad from the years and we shoulder the weight of the work left to be done and the ones left standing carry on....

Mary Betterton
wife

I met Frankie 10 years ago. Mary was in Mt. Hermon, He was at Chatmoss. Then, he even talked about being a Deputy. I was so excited when he came to work with us. I had several occaisions to work calls with Frankie, and discuss concerns with Mary. I always told her everything would be okay. I still don't believe Frankie is gone. Every where I look I see him. I find it difficult to get through each day without him in my life.

INVESTIGATOR/MASTER DEPUTY
PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Dearest Dad. You were the world's greatest husband,son,father,uncle,and grandfather ever. You will be truly missed. Can't wait until the day comes that we can all be together again. I love you and miss you very much. I just wish that you could of been around to see your grandchild Nyha grow up. She is 2 year's old now and can say "Grandpa". LOVE YOU,
Donna and Nyha

DONNA BETTERTON
DAUGHTER /BESTFRIEND

As a patrol Sergeant in Charlotte, NC-I want you to know that my roll call today was dedicated to the honor of this fine Deputy,husband, and father. My troops will hear of his courage and his sacrifice. The many reflections show what a great person was lost. God Bless his family-I know this anniversary day will be very difficult.
5-17-2003

Sergeant Mike Smathers
Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department

It has almost been a year now and Frankie's memory is still with the ones that loved and admired him. We all wish he could be here physically with us but I know he is with us in a spiritual way. I think sometimes Frankie is guiding me thru life whe i do certain things. I still think of him quite often and wish he were here to talk to. I still look to the heavens and talk to him that way and I really feel he hears me.

Anonymous

I was born and raised in Pittsylvania County and knew Frankie and his family. His wife, Mary, has been our family vet for many years. My brother has gone to school with one of Frankie's daughters for years. Every time I saw Frankie he had his patented smile on his face. He was a very kind man who would do anything for his family and friends. He was a devoted Christian who loved God with all his heart.
I work in the Area 45 office, Arlington, VA. I still have the photo of Frankie I was given at his funeral. Every time I look at it I am given strength and hope to go another day. I know Frankie is looking over all of us as we continue our watches. May God bless Mary, the Betterton children, the Betterton extended family, all of Frankies friends, and the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Department.

Trooper J.W. Thomasson
Virginia State Police

Rest in peace my BROTHER in blue. May God comfort your wife, children, and the Pittsylvania Sheriff's Office during this tragic time. GOD SPEED!

Recruit Don Reichhardt
60th Basic Police Academy
Crater Criminal Justice Academy

Officer Don Reichhardt
Virginia State University Police Department

Cop on the Take

First he takes the oath.
Now look at all he takes.
He takes it in stride when people call him pig.
He takes time to stop and talk to children.
He takes your verbal abuse while giving you a ticket you really deserved.
He takes on creeps you would be afraid to even look at.
He takes time away from his family to keep you safe.
He takes your injured child to the hospital.
He takes the graveyard shift without complaint because it's his turn.
He takes his life into his hands daily.
He takes you home when your car breaks down.
He takes time to explain why both your headlights have to work.
He takes the job no one else wants--telling you a loved one has died.
He takes criminals to jail.
He takes in sights that would make you cry.
Sometimes he cries too, but he takes it anyway because someone has to.
If he is lucky, he takes retirement.
He takes memories to bed each night that you couldn't bear for even one day.
Sometimes, he takes a bullet.
And yes, occasionally he may take a free cup of coffee.
Then one day he pays for all he has taken, and God takes him.
Please remember that the "He" in all this represents all police officers, both men and women who have served and are serving our cities and their citizens we have all sworn to protect.
Blessed are the peace keepers!

Officer Paul C. Smith
Altavista Police Department

My father and stepmother reside across the road from the Betterton's. Their past relatives (Hardy's) would give me and my sister candy all the day long and we spent many days at the (now) Betterton home. I was greatly saddened to hear about the loss of Frankie. I feel he is gone to a better place. The wife, Mary is also my vet and I appreciate her so very much. My prayers are with Mary and the children, to get through this.

Bobbi Jo and Nathan Seamster
neighbor

On behalf of the National Drug Interdiction Association, I would like to express my deepest regards and sympathy to the family, friends and fellow officers of Deputy Sheriff Frankie Betterton. Nobody can ever be prepared for the unthinkable. We will all miss you fallen hero. Rest in peace brother, rest in peace.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

Douglas R. Wright / Board of Directors
National Drug Interdiction Association

To the family of D/S Betterton & the deputies of PCSO,
These events are always so tragic and senseless when they occur. It saddens me every time that I hear about an officer being injured or killed in the line of duty. It of course hits home when it is another deputy from our own state, and the reality of our job becomes ever so clear. These ruthless acts of violence on law enforcement officers can never be explained. God bless you Deputy Betterton for making the ultimate sacrifice to our cause.


Deputy J.W. Houston, Unit#64
York County Sheriff's Office

Deputy J. W. Houston
York County Sheriff's Office

To the family of D/S Betterton & the deputies of PCSO,
These events are always so tragic and senseless when they occur. It saddens me every time that I hear about an officer being injured or killed in the line of duty. It of course hits home when it is another deputy from our own state, and the reality of our job becomes ever so clear. These ruthless acts of violence on law enforcement officers can never be explained. God bless you Deputy Betterton for making the ultimate sacrifice to our cause.


Deputy J.W. Houston, Unit#64
York County Sheriff's Office

Deputy J. W. Houston
York County Sheriff's Office

MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE BETTERTON FAMILY AND THE PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE. I NEVER KNEW OFFICER BETTERTON BUT IM SURE HE WAS A MAN OF GOOD CHARACTER AND GREAT COURAGE. SADLY, HE HAD TO LEAVE THE WAY HE DID BUT IM SURE HE IS IN A MUCH BETTER PLACE NOW. WE MUST NOT GRIEVE THE LOSS OF A FALLEN SOLDIER FOR HE SERVED IN A WAY THAT IM SURE WILL KEEP ALL PROUD. IN DEPUTY BETTERTONS ABSENCE WE ALL MUST CONTINUE TO FIGHT THE BATTLE OF GOOD AND EVIL, I KNOW THAT'S WHAT HE WOULD WANT. REMEMBER THE GOOD!!!

JAMIE DAVIS

May god bless you and your family. your watch is over now...Mr. Betterton, Thank you so much for your service to our state.

Va State Police Association
and your brothers and sisters in the Va State Police

We have indeed lost an incredible brother in our department.Frankie touched so many lives and hearts in one way or another with his soft and gentle manner that we can thank our Lord above the precious memories will still remain.My heart goes out to his entire family, may God bless and ease their pain.

Deputy Linda Eaton
Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office

TRUST JESUS,, AS A FORMER CITY OF DANVILLE POLICE OFFICER,AND A FIVE YEAR CANCER SURVIVOR, AS WELL AS A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL..I CAN DIRECTLY RELATE TO THE LOSS OF OUR FELLOW BROTHER UNDER THE BADGE.. THIS WAS A LOSS THAT TOUCHED THE ENTIRE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY..I CAN RELATE FROM THE NATURAL AS WELL AS THE SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVE..FIRST AND FORMOST TO THE FAMILY OF DEPUTY FRANKIE BETTERTON MY DEEPEST AND MOST HEARTFELT SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO YOU IN YOUR HOUR OF BEREAVEMENT..PLEASE TRUST JESUS, FOR WITH HIM YOU WILL HAVE PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING..YOU HAVE THE SUPPORT OF FAMILY AS WELL AS EVERY BROTHER AND SISTER UNDER THE BADGE..ALL OF WHOM SHARE IN YOUR LOSS..WE HAVE WITNESSED THE HOMEGOING AND PROMOTION OF OUR BROTHER TO THE HIGHEST RANKS WITH THE LORD OUR GOD..FRANKIE SHALL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED.. TO THE DEPARTMENTS CLOSE TO OUR FALLEN BROTHER,I SAY STAY STRONG AND PRAY,HAVE FAITH AND YOU WILL MAKE IT THROUGH, CONTINUE TO PROTECT AND SERVE..UNDER THE GREAT LEADERSHIP OF SHERIFF PLASTER,MAJOR GOODSON, AND CHIEF MORRIS AND MAJOR ELLIOTT I KNOW PERSONALLY THAT THROUGH THEIR LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM WILL LEAD THEIR DEPUTIES AND POLICE OFFICER'S BY EXAMPLE..OUR FALLEN BROTHER IS RESTING NOW IN THE ARMS OF THE LORD, REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER FOR YOUR WATCH HAS ENDED..TO THE FAMILY, GRACE BE WITH YOU,AND PEACE FROM GOD OUR FATHER, AND FROM THE LORD JESUS CHRIST... STAY ENCOURAGED AND BE BLESSED....

REV. RALPH A. MOORE
EX- DANVILLE PD

I have been a law enforcement officer for the past 16 years, serving first as a Deputy Sheriff, and now as a Federal Agent. I have lost many "brothers" in my time, but with each loss it becomes more difficult. I have been in countless funeral processions, cried along with family and friends, and tried to figure out why it happened, but the only answer I have been able to come up with is that God and our Lord Jesus Christ have all the answers and we simply do not, at least not yet, anyway. My heartfelt sympathies are with Deputy Betterton's family, friends, and especially to his "brothers" in Pittsylvania County and Danville who deeply feel his loss. The ironic thing for me is that after Frankie's death, I found out through my Grandmother that I am actually a distant relative of Frankie's by marriage and didn't know it. From what I have been told and have read here, it is my great loss for not having known him. I know with out a doubt by all of the reflections posted here he was a great man and will be greatly missed. Frankie, rest in peace, you may be gone, but never forgotten.

Special Agent Stanley Crowder
United States Secret Service-Miami, Fl.

My Wife Teresa works dispatch with Deputy Betterton's shift and I knew Frankie. Deputy Betterton represented his Dept.his profession,his family very honorably,but most of all he represented his Christian faith with great honor.

My Dad passed away in Feb. of 2002, I remember all of his shift at my dad's funeral, but the one who I remember seeing the most was Frankie. My family and I had gotten up to speak,I told everyone how important it was to let your friends and family know you love them everyday. I looked at the row of Teresa's co-workers and Frankie was shaking his head and wiping a tear from his face. We were very honored to return Frankie's support by attending his funeral and wiping many tears from our faces.

Mary and family just know that Frankie is always there with you every day. Frankie will be missed and thought of every day.

With Great Love & Sympathy

Tim & Teresa Motley
Pitts.Co

Tim & Teresa Motley
Pitt.Co. E-911

To the family of Officer Betterton our thoughts and prayers our with you during this time. May god bless you.


Uncle OF Mississippi State Trooper
Paul Denham
E.O.W.
12-27-99

Danny Gibson